Related Stories

Topics

It’s a good thing Eddie Pasquale is no stranger to competition in the crease.

The third-year goaltender is going to have a healthy dose of it this American Hockey League season after the Winnipeg Jets signed Mark Dekanich as a free agent during the off-season to enhance their organizational depth.

Although Pasquale took tremendous strides in his development last season, he’s going to have to earn his starts with the St. John’s IceCaps.

And truth be told, Pasquale wasn’t expecting to have a free pass.

There were no guarantees last season when he was part of a trio that included former Stanley Cup winner David Aebischer and Peter Mannino or the previous year when he played 24 games with the Chicago Wolves.

“I’m used to it. I’ve done this my whole career,” Pasquale, a fourth round pick (117th overall) of the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. “With every team, you’re going to battle. When you’re younger, it’s harder to accept but now that I’ve gone through it a couple years, (you realize) it’s part of the game.

“It’s a good competition. We’re going to battle for the starts and it’s going to help the team out.”

Pasquale is adamant he isn’t feeling more pressure after earning the No. 1 job last season.

“Not at all. Hockey is fun, I don’t put pressure on myself because then it becomes a job rather than what you do for fun,” said Pasquale, who was 23-13-1 with four shutouts, a 2.41 GAA and .911 save percentage in 38 games last season before starting all 15 games during the Calder Cup playoffs. “Whatever coach does and whatever coach says, you have to take it and be a good teammate. If he’s in net, I’ll be supportive and if I’m in net, he’ll support me.”

Goalie is the most important position on the ice and having two guys that can push one another is important, no matter what level you’re at.

“Ideally, what you’re looking for is a healthy competition and for them to be supportive of each other,” said Jets goalie coach Wade Flaherty. “It was a huge breakthrough for Eddie last season, he kind of took the ball and ran with it. That was huge for his development and confidence.

“Dekanich reminds me of a young Chris Mason with his work ethic and he’s coming in very hungry and that can only help Eddie in the long run, with being pushed.”

Flaherty, himself, is no stranger to sharing the crease with a younger prospect. He served the role with the Milwaukee Admirals, Manitoba Moose and Rockford IceHogs late in his career before turning his attention to sliding into the role of goalie coach.

The IceCaps appear to have the best of both worlds right now.

In Pasquale, the IceCaps have a guy determined to show that there is still room to grow.

He’s made some important strides, but is driven to get a shot in the NHL.

Meanwhile, Dekanich has proven to be an elite goalie at the AHL-level and knows full well that an ankle injury might have prevented him from being the Columbus Blue Jackets starter last season.

Not one to cry over spilled milk, Dekanich is determined to make his way back to the NHL and could easily factor into the Jets, once the lockout comes to an end.

Ultimately, having confidence in more than one guy is a nice luxury to have for a head coach.

“We have two potential No. 1 goaltenders, that’s what we’re looking at,” said IceCaps bench boss Keith McCambridge. “I’m more comfortable with where sit this year with our goaltenders than at this time last year. It’s a really strong combination back there.”